Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Another year gone!

As Christmas fast approaches and the year is nearing it's end, I tend to go into 'reflective' mode. My 'day job' is over for the year which gives me more time to ponder and wonder what is in store for the year to come. So many people are flat out right now, getting the shopping finished, meals prepared and it's panic, rush, panic, rush all the way! I guess its my personality but when things get that way for me I sort of close down and go into hybernation!

Our Christmas is low key, last weekend we had a meal with my inlaws, as we will be away visiting my brother in the Bay of Islands for Christmas. (Thats about 3 hours north of us in the Northern part of New Zealand). Presents are minimal, my gifts are having my son Jordan back from his studies in the South Island, seeing my daughter Robyn so filled with joy at her recent escapades in Peru and Bolivia, and watching my youngest Rosie delelop her art skills  - (she won high distinction for art at school prizegiving this year! Shameless boasting, I know) Oh, and the nativity set above is a gift Robyn brought back from Bolivia that the girls at the orphanage made. I love it!

So as I look back on the past year, I see some happy times, some sad times, but all of these as blessed times. I do believe that we need to give thanks in all circumstances. For many, we have unanswered questions, but trust is the key. Knowing that God is in control and is leading us though our trials, makes all the difference. I'd like to wish you all a blessed Christmas and heartfelt thanks to my customers who give me yet another reason to create! I thought I'd leave you with a few of my memories and things I am so thankful for.

For my beautiful family, their faith and their love for each other (Jordan and Robyn pictured here right after their baptism at our local beach)

Not forgetting the pooch ofcourse.

For witnessing the coming true of dreams, in both my own and my childrens life
  
For the priviledge of being free to create
 
For my amazing trip to Fiji where I was blessed beyond words


For holiday memories
For living on the doorstep of one of the most lovely beaches ever (ok - I am biased)


17 comments:

  1. Great write up! Good idea to reflect on the past and what God has done for us! Merry Christmas!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You have a lovely family! May God bless you all. Congrats on your children baptism!
    Have a good time spending with family in Christmas day.
    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  3. very true that is what the holidays are all about family! Love the gift the orphanage made, very beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  4. How beautiful Jocelyn! Thank you for the reminder! We're going low key here too...trying to give reasonable gifts and trusting that the Lord's presence if real in our lives...each and every day! God bless you and Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, Jocelyn, what a great post! You have certainly put a new perspective on the holiday pre-season (read "heartfelt thank you"!) Have a beautiful and blessed holiday!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great post. Thanks for the reminder on what the holidays are truly about, friends and family. Have a very merry holiday !

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful post!! I hop you have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season with your family!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wonderful photos and memories for you! Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a great idea! i have been reflecting as well too!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Have a blessed Christmas, Jocelyn, and a wonderful new year!

    ReplyDelete
  11. your post, your family, and your reflection is a lovely way to end the year!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Beautiful post. So much to be thankful for. I now need an end-of-year post!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This year sure has had some trials and tribulations for me, but more importantly, it has had some amazing joys!! We need to havve both to appreciate the good time. Have a wonderful holiday season.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Jocelyn, what a delightful post. I hope you and your family had a marvellous Christmas. May 2012 be everything you want it to be. What a delightful family you have. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
    http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  15. Canon printer delivers superb printing results and is excellent for home and office use. It prints sharp and bright prints that make your documents look professional. To perform the Canon printer setup procedure, you can reach the official site Canon.com/ijsetup right away.

    ReplyDelete